14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. While we are not boastful about what we do in the name of ...  Read More

1 When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region. 2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” 4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and t...  Read More

7 Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. 8 You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standin...  Read More

46 Mary responded,“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.47     How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,    and from now on all generations will call me blessed.49 For the Mighty One is holy,    and he has done great things for me.50 He shows mercy from generation to generation    to all who fear him.51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things!    He has...  Read More

5 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,    whose hope is in the Lord their God.6 He made heaven and earth,    the sea, and everything in them.    He keeps every promise forever.7 He gives justice to the oppressed    and food to the hungry.The Lord frees the prisoners.8     The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.    The Lord love...  Read More

May your Kingdom come soon.May your will be done on earth,    as it is in heaven. Almost Heaven, West Virginia. The phrase is on welcome signs and license plates. It is used in television ads and sung after sporting events. It is truly ubiquitous throughout the Mountain State.And yet, as we prepare for Christmas, the words take on renewed meaning.When Christ prayed “your kingdom come, your will be...  Read More

16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone,...  Read More

This past Saturday, nine families joined us for our first Sensory Santa.  We were so excited to offer this event to our community.  Children, who would not be able to visit Santa in a traditional setting, and their families joined us for a morning of Christmas fun.  The kids were able to visit with Santa, decorate cookies, make Christmas ornaments, visit our Photo Booth, and visit our Quiet Room. ...  Read More

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” As a little girl my biggest fear was the dark and being alone. I remember crying to Mom about how the monsters would get me and that she needed to stay.The dark to me was evil and cruel; the light gave promise that th...  Read More

The Florida United Methodist Children's Home has been a part of our church's missions list since our founding. I love hearing all the stories that come from this incredible ministry as much as Val and Eddie love to go visit every year. Last year, we chose as a church to downsize our missions list and focus on organizations that embodied who we are as a church, and those that give our congregation ways t...  Read More

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,    for the Lord has anointed me    to bring good news to the poor.He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted    and to proclaim that captives will be released    and prisoners will be freed.2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn    that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,    and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.3 To all who mo...  Read More

 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory...  Read More